Montacute House

Montacute House is a masterpiece of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture and design. With its towering walls of glass, glow of ham stone and surrounding gardens and parkland, it is a place of beauty and wonder. Sir Edward Phelips was the visionary force and money behind the creation of this masterpiece, which was completed in 1601. Built by skilled craftsman using local ham stone under the instruction of William Arnold, master mason, the house was a statement of wealth, ambition and showmanship. The ground floor of the house is open (see website for updates), however, the upper floors are currently closed due to a major conservation project that is underway involving the staircases. A beautiful garden surrounds Montacute House, constantly changing, filling the house with scent in summer and providing an atmospheric backdrop for a winter walk. Whether you just want to let the children run and explore, or be inspired by the collections housed within the walls of Montacute, you will leave with lasting memories and a desire to soon return. As a special offer exclusive to Heritage Open Days, our Specialist Crafts Team will be on site demonstrating heritage stone masonry and wood working techniques on September 16th and 17th. Visitors can also join our Elizabethan Welcome Tours to learn about how the house, gardens, and parkland have changed over the past 425 years. These run daily at 1100 and 1330.

Timings

Monday 14 September:

1000-1700, Tour: 1100, 1330

Tuesday 15 September:

1000-1700, Tour: 1100, 1330

Wednesday 16 September:

1000-1700, Tour: 1100, 1330. Specialist Craft Team Workshops 1000-1600

Thursday 17 September:

1000-1700, Tour: 1100, 1330. Specialist Craft Team Workshops 1000-1600

Friday 18 September:

1000-1700, Tour: 1100, 1330

Location & directions

Montacute House - National Trust, Montacute, Somerset, TA15 6XP

Directions:

Montacute House is located in the village of Montacute. The entrance to the property is well sign posted within the village. From entering the car park, please park and head to our visitor reception to enter the property. Montacute House is accessible via South West Coaches' 81 bus running from Yeovil to South Petherton. Garden, Parkland, Shop and Café open 1000-1700. House open 1100-1630. Last entry to house 30 minutes before closing.

Contact on day:

Property Office

Telephone number:

+441935823289

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The property was not built on level ground therefore there are a number of steps, ramps and slopes to contend with. There are 2 manual wheelchairs available for loan along with 1 rollator. The garden has a fountain in the North Garden that is only accessible via steps. Along the east edge of the North Garden, there is a ha-ha with a 2m drop. This is not fenced. Induction loops are fitted in both Visitor Reception, the shop and the café. Due to the conservation work on the staircases, the house does not have ramp access at the moment. Access to the house is up approximately 8 steps.

Additional information

Ground floor only access in the house due to conservation work being carried out on the staircases.

Max number of people:

30

Estimated duration:

0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)

Check out our online channels

Back to results